Utah is happiest state according to study

[Calm]

Just now, Scott Lloyd said:

Didn’t say there is a need. 

Let me try again.

Why would they consider it a special privilege instead of simple casual everyday conversation?

[Scott Lloyd]

17 minutes ago, Calm said:

Let me try again.

Why would they consider it a special privilege instead of simple casual everyday conversation?

You merely repeated the question I thought I had answered. 
 

I added some to my response. Maybe you posted before seeing the part I added. Happens sometimes. 

Edited April 5, 2022 by Scott Lloyd

[Scott Lloyd]

On 4/4/2022 at 5:30 AM, SwedishLDS said:

yes its called prayer. 

That said we are promised blessings in the life to come, following the gospel is not, to quote last conference a divine vending machine of blessings. Blessings doesnt come according to our whims and timeplans. We are to follow the gospel regardless of the amount of blessings we receive, consider the story of Job for inspiration of how to live life.

 

 

On 4/4/2022 at 7:27 AM, Calm said:

Was Job happy in his sufferings?  Content?

Job is an inspiration, because he remained steadfast notwithstanding his temporary suffering. He resisted the cynicism of his wife and the misguided pestering of his friends who were poor comforters, and he refused to “curse God and die” or to doubt his value and ultimate potential as a  faithful son of God. In the end he was doubly blessed and compensated for his losses. 
 

Afterthought: Job’s knowledge and conviction of the plan of salvation (“I know that my Redeemer liveth and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth; and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God”) fortified him to bear up under horrific trials that would have destroyed other men. So, in the long run, he was indeed blessed and happy through his faithfulness and obedience. I don’t think that scripture implies total bliss 24/7 while one is in mortality. 

Edited April 5, 2022 by Scott Lloyd

[Meadowchik]

12 hours ago, Scott Lloyd said:

I’ve said before on here — and gotten some pushback for it — that I feel a greater affinity for members who are spiritually and doctrinally converted to the restored gospel — wherever they might live in the world and whatever might be their cultural background — than I do for so-called “cultural Mormons.” 

That's a pretty common thing, affinity for those who voluntarily believe or align similarly to oneself. Sports fans, music lovers, and other religions do it too.

It can be a great way to generate cross-cultural understanding, to be sure. 

I've lived in different countries and gotten to know many different people from different backgrounds. And one of the best things about leaving the church has just been the time and resources it has afforded me to get to know people outside that association. 

People are wonderful.

[Stargazer]

Utah couldn't possibly be in the happiest state, because I am in the happiest state, being married to a wonderful woman who loves me! ❤️ 

[Scott Lloyd]

7 hours ago, Meadowchik said:

That's a pretty common thing, affinity for those who voluntarily believe or align similarly to oneself. Sports fans, music lovers, and other religions do it too.

It can be a great way to generate cross-cultural understanding, to be sure. 

I've lived in different countries and gotten to know many different people from different backgrounds. And one of the best things about leaving the church has just been the time and resources it has afforded me to get to know people outside that association. 

People are wonderful.

I think it’s wholly possible to form cross-cultural associations and friendships without forsaking the faith. I’m not suggesting or conceding otherwise.
 

Maybe you have something in mind that precludes remaining faithful in the Church. If you’re saying a Church member can’t do it without violating covenants, then yes, it would be problematic. 

Edited April 5, 2022 by Scott Lloyd

[The Nehor]

On 4/4/2022 at 6:30 AM, SwedishLDS said:

yes its called prayer. 

That said we are promised blessings in the life to come, following the gospel is not, to quote last conference a divine vending machine of blessings. Blessings doesnt come according to our whims and timeplans. We are to follow the gospel regardless of the amount of blessings we receive, consider the story of Job for inspiration of how to live life.

 

Okay, prayer and think about Job.

My prayer tonight to God is to please not be goaded by Satan into making a bar bet in regards to my faithfulness please.

[SwedishLDS]

3 hours ago, The Nehor said:

Okay, prayer and think about Job.

My prayer tonight to God is to please not be goaded by Satan into making a bar bet in regards to my faithfulness please.

I am not sure I quite understand, but I didn’t mean to attack you personally. I know life isn’t perfect, and I have certainly experienced that. I wanted to give more of a doctrinal answer but I fear I might have been insensitive towards you.

if I have insulted you I apologize. I believe that God will make all things right in the end, and in the power of the gospel in our lives

Edited April 5, 2022 by SwedishLDS

[The Nehor]

1 hour ago, SwedishLDS said:

I am not sure I quite understand, but I didn’t mean to attack you personally. I know life isn’t perfect, and I have certainly experienced that. I wanted to give more of a doctrinal answer but I fear I might have been insensitive towards you.

if I have insulted you I apologize. I believe that God will make all things right in the end, and in the power of the gospel in our lives

That was a joke. I like the book of Job. The problem I have with it is that the opening is just stupid. God makes his weird deal to play a game with the devil. Later when God shows up he questions Job about if Job can match his power or understand God’s ways. This is undercut by the opening where it is clear exactly why Job is suffering and it is petty and dumb. I have a private theory that the bit about God and Satan was tacked on to the front of it later by an idiot since it undercuts the whole story.

I am suggesting that being like Job in adversity might be good counsel but reading the Book of Job for consolation is more difficult with the way it opens.

Edited April 5, 2022 by The Nehor

[Rain]

On 4/5/2022 at 1:54 AM, Meadowchik said:

That's a pretty common thing, affinity for those who voluntarily believe or align similarly to oneself. Sports fans, music lovers, and other religions do it too.

It can be a great way to generate cross-cultural understanding, to be sure. 

I've lived in different countries and gotten to know many different people from different backgrounds. And one of the best things about leaving the church has just been the time and resources it has afforded me to get to know people outside that association. 

People are wonderful.

I think you are right that it is common for people to be close to those they align with and there can be rich blessings from working closely with people outside of our faith.

While I understand this is your experience about time and resources, I think that for most people it is either choices they make or a knowledge of choices. Meaning I have met and worked with many outside of the church and my time and resources haven't stopped that. I have seen that others use their spare time and resources in church circles outside of what is needed to practice our faith by choice.  Some of this, depending on the concentration of saints, has more to do with who you spend time with than choice does.  Other times people just are not aware of things outside of their circles.

In a nutshell, time and resources only stop one so much from making connections outside of the faith. Being a member doesn't stop you from making those connections.  It's more choice, knowledge and availability.

Edited April 6, 2022 by Rain